The live-action remake of “Dumbo” is written by Ehren Kruger, who is best known for writing “The Ring” (2002), as well as three of the films in the “Transformers” series: “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009), “Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), and “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (2014). Kruger is producing “Dumbo” alongside Justin Springer (“Tron: Legacy”).

Farrell has had a relationship with Disney for years, having portrayed Travers Roberts Goff, the father of the “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers, in the 2013 biological drama “Saving Mr. Banks,” which grossed $117.9 million worldwide. He also co-starred alongside Al Pacino in “The Recruit,” released in 2003 under Disney’s Touchstone Productions banner.